The Tale of Anwyn, Part Eleven: Streams of Sunlight

1

From inside their chambers in Mirkwood, Legolas and Anwyn could hear their guests assembling in the gardens. Peeking out the window of the bedroom, Anwyn could see them. There were Galadriel and Celeborn; Aragorn and Arwen; Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Sam's wife Rose; Gimli; Elrond and his sons Elladan and Elrohir; Faramir and Eowyn; Gandalf the White; Rohred; King Eomer of Rohan; Lomewen, Astalohtar, and Caladwen; and several other Elves and Men of varying status, lineage, and background.2

She went to the mirror and gazed at her reflection. Dressed in an exquisite white gown of shining silk, with a graceful train and bell sleeves, she was the picture of elegance. She wore a headdress of interwoven bands of mithril and silver set with diamonds, a crown for an Elven princess. Around her neck was the Elenmir, shining luminously as if it were sparkling under the sunlight. And on her finger was the silver ring set with a clear jewel that Galadriel had given to her in Lórien.3

In another room, Legolas was standing silently, clad in his pristine white regalia. On his head was the silver headdress of the crown prince of Mirkwood; Eryn Lasgalen, as it had been renamed; and on his finger he wore the ring Galadriel had given to him in Lórien. He took a deep breath and stepped out into the living quarters. "Father, I am ready."4

Anwyn heard this, and floated gracefully through the white curtains of the bedroom. She smiled at Legolas, who was spellbound with her beauty, then turned to her father. "I am ready."5

"Then let us begin," said Thranduil, and led the procession out to the terrace.6

At the sight of the king, the chatter in the gardens ceased.7

"People of Eryn Lasgalen and distinguished guests," began Thranduil, "may I present to you the one whom my son Legolas has chosen to wed: Lady Anwyn of Thandor, Silmarwen of Imladris, Tinúelena of Lothlórien, Authiel of Eryn Lasgalen, Daughter of the Stars, Lady of the Starlight, Wielder of the Flame of Anor, daughter of Men, kindred to Elves."8

Escorted by Rohran, Anwyn stepped forth and stood next to Legolas.9

Legolas bowed to Rohran. "Rohran, King of Thandor. It is my wish to have your daughter's hand in marriage. Will you grant me this high honor?"10

Rohran smiled. "My daughter's hand is her own to give," the king replied. "Your request should be of her." He bowed and stepped back.11

Legolas then turned to Anwyn. "A'maelamin, will you grant me the honor?"12

She merely smiled and placed her hand in Legolas' open palm. Legolas then took up her other hand. "As the deep roots have held the trees of Mirkwood for Ages, my love for you shall be strong and lasting."13

Anwyn gazed into the eyes of her prince. "As the undying spirit of Elbereth brings light to this Middle-earth, my love for you shall eternally be the light in your darkness."14

Thranduil placed his hands on the joined hands of Anwyn and Legolas. "In the name of the Valar, I bless this union." He smiled at them. "May your lives together be filled with times of joy and peace." Then he turned back to the guests. "I present to you Legolas and Anwyn of Eryn Lasgalen."15

The couple smiled, and the crowd cheered. Anwyn, happier than she'd ever been before, stood beaming proudly with Legolas and took in her surroundings so that she would always remember this moment exactly the way it was. Overhead, the sun was making a valiant effort to break through the thick canopy of leaves. The light was shining down in slender golden rays, illuminating the golden flowers in the gardens, touching upon Galadriel's hair and Sam Gamgee's eyes and the silver in Gandalf's coat, filling the Wood with shimmer and sparkle. The cherry trees were in full bloom and the sweet scent of the blossoms filled the air; a gentle wind was moving through, rustling the branches, raining pale pink flower petals down upon the ground. 16

Legolas lifted his voice in song. "Tinúelena, a'maelamin,17

Vanimle sila tiri 18

Ve' i'giliath e' i'ilmen...19

Aa' lye coia alye' dartha Aman ed' Tel'Valilnore;20

Aa' lye mela dartha oira vee' i'silma."21

Anwyn smiled and sang her response: "Utinu tel' taure, mela en coiamin22

Amin harmuva onalle e' cormamin23

Melyanna or-melyanna en' coia.24

Aa' lye vesta dartha varna lond;25

Aa' lye mela tella ten'oio."26

The Shaeleuthil filled the forest with a brilliant light, reflecting off the water in the fountain; Lord Celeborn gasped as its radiance swallowed him. Lord Elrond watched the light spread, watched his daughter's face, saw her astonishment at the beauty of the gem. As the music of the fountain filled the forest, Anwyn glanced at Legolas.27

He nodded. "Father," he said quietly, "it is time to return the Shaeleuthil to the line of Melian."28

Thranduil nodded. "Let this be your first act as husband and wife," Thranduil said to the new couple.29

Legolas and Anwyn went into the palace and came down into the courtyard; Anwyn went to the fountain, and Legolas went to bring Aragorn and Arwen. 30

"The Shaeleuthil has been in our safekeeping for years," Legolas said to Arwen. "Today, the kingdom of Mirkwood is returning the gem to you."31

Anwyn lifted her sword and touched the glistening tip to the gray stone that encased the jewel. "Aure hyanda," she commanded, and light shot forth from her sword to the fountain, shattering the stone and setting the glistening gem free. Legolas caught it in mid-air, and gave it to Anwyn, who placed it in Arwen's hands. "Sinome, mellonamin."32

"Hannon le," replied Arwen with a smile, holding the gem close to her breast. She looked across at Aragorn, then at her father, who smiled and stepped forth. He handed to Arwen an object wrapped in soft blue velvet.33

"For your faith in me, I am forever grateful," Arwen said to Anwyn. "I shall always remember our short time together in Imladris. For the two of you, I have this." From the folds of the fabric, she drew out a phial. "Filled with the waters of Linalinae, whose shores you fell in love on."34

Anwyn took it. "We shall cherish it," she said with a gracious smile.35

A wide smile spread across Aragorn's face. "Let us celebrate," he chimed in. He clapped a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "This is our friends' wedding day!"36

Musicians began to play an elegant melody, and Legolas and Anwyn held each other close, smiling with all the light of Eärendil.37

*~*38

That night, Legolas and Anwyn slipped away from the noise and commotion of what was a strange mix of common and Elvish wedding festivities and went to their quarters. Anwyn slipped out of her grand wedding gown and into a simple white silk chemise; Legolas changed into a blue robe.39

She kissed him. "It brings out your eyes," she said softly, running her fingers over the fabric.40

Legolas smiled down at her. "Let's go sit in the pool."41

"Alright."42

They passed through the curtain of ivy, lit a few candles, left their clothes on the floor, and cuddled up next to each other in the pool.43

"Finally we have peace," Anwyn whispered, resting her head on her husband's shoulder.44

He put his arm around her. "And each other."45

Anwyn smiled. "And each other," she repeated. 46

The candles flickered in the background, wax dripping over wood and iron. Legolas drew a flower out of a clear vase filled with vibrant short-stemmed red flowers and gave it to Anwyn; she smiled brilliantly. They were both glowing softly with the light of love.47

"You know what would make this completely perfect?" Anwyn mused, tucking the flower behind her ear.48

"What's that?" 49

"If the ceiling would become the sky," she whispered, "like it did in Thandor."50

Legolas smiled. "That would be nice. Perhaps we should go sit out on the balcony."51

"I'm enjoying the water," Anwyn admitted.52

A gentle laugh escaped Legolas' lips. "You truly are a sea-maiden at heart, a'maelamin."53

"And a star-child," she replied.54

"My tari tel' ilmen," breathed Legolas, gathered her in his arms, and pulled her close for a long kiss.55

"Look," whispered Anwyn, pointing up. The ceiling was gone; they were looking at a star-jewelled sky. 56

Then it hit Legolas. "I think I've figured it out," he said, hushed.57

"What have you figured out?"58

He gazed into the eyes of his princess. "Gandalf told me that everyone, even before you were granted the life of the Eldar, marvelled at your beauty and light. Celeborn said that you only knew Men to be your forebears. Now Gandalf says that there is a story, older than that of Beren and Lúthien, of an immortal woman giving her heart to a mortal Man. The woman was Ilmarë, a Maia; she fell in love with Marach, one of the original leaders of the Edain into Beleriand. Before Marach crossed the Blue Mountains, they had a love affair. Then after Marach had gone, Ilmarë bore a daughter. She named her Nyériel, or sorrow, in her emptiness without Marach. She took her leave to search for Marach; she found that he was married with a son upon her arrival. In her grief, she felt the life drain from her; she left her daughter with a woman and went away. It is not known if she died in Middle-Earth or returned to Valinor."59

"And?" Anwyn was confused.60

"Ilmarë was Elbereth's handmaiden and the most powerful female Maia," Legolas told her. "You've been told your forebears were all Men. Perhaps they did not know any better, and Ilmarë and Marach and Nyériel are all your ancestors." He tilted her face toward his, lightly caressing her cheek. "It certainly would explain your resplendence."61

She smiled up at him. "Amin mela lle, Legolas."62

"Amin mela lle yando."63